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Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts

Previous Year Questions 2024

Q1: Select a pair of natural indicators from the following:    (2024)
(a) 
Litmus and methyl orange
(b) Turmeric and Litmus
(c) Phenolphthalein and methyl orange
(d) Methyl orange and Turmeric

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (b)
Both turmeric and litmus are natural indicators that change color when they come into contact with acids or bases. Turmeric turns red in alkaline solutions, while litmus turns red in acidic solutions and blue in alkaline solutions, making them useful for testing the pH of substances.


Q2: A chemical compound used in glass, soap and paper industries is   (2024)
(a)
Washing Soda
(b) Baking Soda
(c) Bleaching Powder
(d) Common Salt

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (a)
Washing soda, or sodium carbonate, is a chemical compound that is used in making glass, as a cleaning agent in soaps, and in the paper-making process. It's important for its ability to soften water and enhance cleaning.


Q3: An aqueous solution of a salt turns blue litmus to red. The salt could be the one obtained by the reaction of:   (2024)
(a)
HNO3 and NaOH
(b) H2SO4 and KOH
(c) CH3COOH and NaOH
(d) HCl and NH4OH 

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (d)
When hydrochloric acid (HCl) reacts with ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH), it forms ammonium chloride, which is an acidic salt. This acid can turn blue litmus paper red, indicating that the solution is acidic.


Q4: Consider the following compounds:    (2024)
FeSO4, CuSO4, CaSO4, Na2CO3.
The compound having the maximum number of water of crystallization in its crystalline form in one molecule is:
(a)
FeSO4
(b) CuSO4
(c) CaSO4
(d) Na2CO3

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (d)
Sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) can exist as a hydrated compound called washing soda, which has 10 water molecules attached to each formula unit (Na2CO3·10H2O). This means it has the highest number of water of crystallization compared to the other compounds listed.


Q5: The salt present in tooth enamel is:    (2024)
(a) 
Calcium phosphate  
(b) Magnesium phosphate
(c) Sodium phosphate
(d) Aluminium phosphate

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (a)
Tooth enamel is primarily made up of a mineral called hydroxyapatite, which is a form of calcium phosphate. This compound helps strengthen teeth and makes them resistant to decay.


Q6: An aqueous solution of sodium chloride is prepared in distilled water. The pH of this solution is:    (2024)
(a)
6
(b) 8
(c) 7
(d) 

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (c)
An aqueous solution of sodium chloride (table salt) in distilled water is neutral, meaning it has a pH of 7. This is because sodium chloride does not produce any hydrogen ions (H+) or hydroxide ions (OH-) in solution, keeping the acidity and alkalinity balanced.


Q7: Solid Calcium oxide reacts vigorously with water to form Calcium hydroxide accompanied by the liberation of heat. From the information given above it may be concluded that this reaction    (2024)
(a)
is endothermic and pH of the solution formed is more than 7.
(b) is exothermic and pH of the solution formed is 7.
(c) is endothermic and pH of the solution formed is 7.
(d) is exothermic and pH of the solution formed is more than 7.

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (d)
When solid calcium oxide reacts with water, it releases heat (making it exothermic) and forms calcium hydroxide, which is a strong base. This means the pH of the resulting solution is greater than 7, indicating it is alkaline.


Q8: Juice of tamarind turns blue litmus to red. It is because of the presence of an acid called:     (2024)
(a) 
Methanoic acid
(b) Acetic acid
(c) Tartaric acid
(d) Oxalic acid

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (c)
The juice of tamarind contains tartaric acid, which is a natural organic acid. This acid makes the solution acidic, which causes blue litmus paper to turn red, indicating the presence of acidity.


Q9: The oxide which can react with HCl as well as KOH to give corresponding salt and water is     (2024)
(a) 
CuO
(b) Al2O3
(c) Na2O
(d) K2O

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (b)
The answer is (b) Al2O3 (aluminum oxide). Aluminum oxide is an amphoteric oxide, meaning it can react with both acids like hydrochloric acid (HCl) and bases like potassium hydroxide (KOH). These reactions produce a salt and water, showing its ability to neutralize both acidic and basic substances.


Q10: Identify the product ‘X’ obtained in the following chemical reaction:     (CBSE 2024)
Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts(a)
Quick lime    
(b) Gypsum
(c) Lime Stone    
(d) Plaster of Paris

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (a)
In the given reaction, heating calcium carbonate (CaCO3) results in its decomposition to form calcium oxide (CaO), commonly known as quick lime, and carbon dioxide (CO2). This process is known as calcination, commonly used in the production of cement and lime. Hence, the product 'X' is quick lime.


Q11: (i) The pH of a sample of tomato juice is 4.6. How is this juice likely to be in taste? Give reason to justify your answer.
(ii) How do we differentiate between a strong acid and a weak base in terms of ion-formation in aqueous solutions?
(iii) The acid rain can make the survival of aquatic animals difficult. How?   (2024)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (i)  The taste of tomato juice will be slightly sour; The pH 4.6 indicates that tomato juice is an acid and acids are sour in taste.
(ii) Acids that give more H+ions / H3O+ are Strong Acids Bases that give less OH- ions are Weak Bases.
(iii) Living animals can survive within a pH range of 7·0 to 7·8. So, if the pH of river water becomes low due to acid rain (pH < 5·6), then survival of aquatic animals becomes difficult. 


Q12: Case based / data based questions with 2 to 3 short sub-parts. Internal choice is provided in one of these sub-parts.
Salts play a very important role in our daily life. Sodium chloride which is known as common salt is used almost in every kitchen. Baking soda is also a salt used in faster cooking as well as in baking industry. The family of salts is classified on the basis of cations and anions present in them.
(a) Identify the acid and base from which Sodium chloride is formed.
(b) Find the cation and the anion present in Calcium sulphate.
(c) “Sodium chloride and washing soda both belong to the same family of salts.” Justify this statement.
OR
(c) Define the term pH scale. Name the salt obtained by the reaction of Potassium hydroxide and Sulphuric acid and give the pH value of its aqueous solution.   (2024)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (a) Acid – HCl, Base – NaOH
(b) Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts
(c) Salts having same cations but different anions belong to the same family of salts. e.g. sodium chloride (NaCl) and Washing Soda/sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) both have Na+ as cation.
OR
(c) A scale for measuring hydrogen ion (H+) concentration in a solution is called pH scale.
Potassium Sulphate / K2SO4
pH = 7


Q13: 1 gram of solid sodium chloride was taken in a clean and dry test tube and concentrated sulphuric acid was added to it.
(i) Name the gas evolved in the reaction.
(ii) What will be observed when this gas is tested with (I) dry, and (II) wet blue litmus paper? Write your conclusion about the nature (acidic/basic) of this gas.      (2024)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (i) HCl gas was evolved
(ii) (I) No change in colour
(II) Wet blue litmus turns red
HCl gas is acidic in nature


Q14: (a) A few crystals of ferrous sulphate were taken in a dry boiling tube and heated. Tiny water droplets were observed in the tube after some time.
(i) From where did these water droplets appear? Explain.
(ii) What color change will be observed during heating?
(iii) How many molecules of water are attached per molecule of FeSO4 crystal? Write the molecular formula of crystalline forms of (I) Copper sulphate, and (II) Sodium carbonate.
(iv) State how is Plaster of Paris obtained from gypsum. Write two uses of Plaster of Paris.
OR
(b) An acid ‘X’ present in tamarind when mixed with ‘Y’, produces a mixture ‘Z’. ‘Z’ on addition to a dough when heated makes cakes soft and spongy. ‘Y’ is prepared from common salt and helps in faster cooking.
(i) Write the common names of ‘X’, ‘Y’ and ‘Z’, and the chemical formula of ‘Y’.
(ii) How is ‘Y’ prepared and how does it help in making cakes soft and spongy? Illustrate the reaction with a suitable chemical equation.
(iii) Write the name and chemical formula of a mild base other than ‘Y’ used as an antacid.   (2024)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (a) (i) The molecules of water of crystallisation in ferrous sulphate crystals get evaporated on heating.
(ii) Green → White
(iii) Seven / (FeSO4 × 7H2O) (I) CuSO× 5H2O (II) Na2CO3 × 10H2O
(iv) On heating gypsum (CaSO4 × 2H2O) at 373 K it loses water molecules
Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts
Two uses of plaster of Paris:
(i) Making toys / material for decoration
(ii) Supporting fractured bones
OR
(b) (i) X-Tartaric acid Y-Baking soda Z- Baking powder Y- NaHCO3
(ii) Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts
Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and SaltsSodium salt of acid CO2 released during heating makes the cake soft and spongy
(iii) Magnesium hydroxide; Mg(OH)2


Q15: Write the common name and the chemical name of the compound Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and SaltsWrite the method of its preparation. Give chemical equation for the reaction, when water reacts with Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts   (2024)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: Plaster of Paris; Calcium sulphate hemihydrate
Prepared from gypsum (CaSO4 × 2H2O) by heating it at 373K
Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts


Q16: The following questions are source-based/case-based questions. Read the case carefully and answer the questions that follow:    (2024)
Three metal samples of magnesium, aluminium and iron were taken and rubbed with sand paper. These samples were then put separately in test tubes containing dilute hydrochloric acid. Thermometers were also suspended in each test tube so that their bulbs dipped in the acid. The rate of formation of bubbles was observed. The above activity was repeated with dilute nitric acid and the observations were recorded.
Answer the following questions:
(a) When activity was done with dilute hydrochloric acid, then in which one of the test tubes was the rate of formation of bubbles the fastest and the thermometer showed the highest temperature?
(b) Which metal did not react with dilute hydrochloric acid? Give reason.
(c) (i) Why is hydrogen gas not evolved when a metal reacts with dilute nitric acid? Name the ultimate products formed in the reaction.
OR
(c) (ii) Name the type of reaction on the basis of which reactivity of metals is decided. You have two metals X and Y. How would you decide which is more reactive than the other?

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (a) In the test tube containing magnesium.
(b) All three metals react with HCl because they are more reactive than hydrogen.
(c) (i) Because HNO3 is a strong oxidizing agent and oxidizes the H2 produced to water.
Ultimate products are water, oxides of nitrogen.
OR
(c) (ii) Displacement Reaction
If metal X displaces metal Y from its salt solution it is more reactive than Y or vice versa.

Previous Year Questions 2023

Q1: When sodium bicarbonate reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid, the gas evolved is   (2023)
(a) Hydrogen; it given pop sound with burning match stick.
(b) Hydrogen; it turns lime water milky.
(c) Carbon dioxide; it turns lime water milky.
(d) Carbon dioxide; it blows off a burning match stick with a pop sound.

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (c)
Sol: When sodium bicarbonate reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid, carbon dioxide gas is liberated. The reaction that occurs is shown below:
NaHCO3 + HCI → NaCl + H2O + CO2
Carbon dioxide when passed into lime water gives a milky solution. This is due to the formation of an insoluble suspension of calcium carbonate:
Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts


Q2: Select a pair of olfactory indicators from the following:    (2023)
(a) Clove oil and vanilla essence 
(b) Onion and turmeric 
(c) Clove oil and litmus paper
(d) Vanilla and methyl orange

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (a)
Sol: There are some substances whose odour changes in acidic or basic media. These are called olfactory indicators. Clove oil and vanilla essence are olfactory indicators.


Q3: Sodium hydroxide is termed as alkali while ferric hydroxide is not because:   (2023)
(a) Sodium hydroxide is a strong base, while ferric hydroxide is a weak base.
(b) Sodium hydroxide is a base which is soluble in water while ferric hydroxide is also a base but it is not soluble in water.
(c) Sodium hydroxide is a strong base while ferric hydroxide is a strong acid.
(d) Sodium hydroxide and ferric hydroxide both are strong base but the solubility of sodium hydroxide in water is comparatively higher than that of ferric hydroxide.

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (b)
Sol: Sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, etc. are soluble in water, therefore they are termed as alkalies while bases like copper hydroxide, ferric hydroxide, aluminium hydroxide, etc. do not dissolve in water, therefore they are not termed as alkalies.


Q4: Hydronium ions are formed by the reaction between   (2023)
(a) Sodium hydroxide and water
(b) Calcium chloride and water
(c) Hydrogen chloride gas and water
(d) Ethanol and water

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (c)
Sol: 
According to Arrhenius theory, acids are substances which dissociate in aqueous solution to give hydrogen ions (or hydronium ions).
Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts


Q5: Fresh milk has a pH of 6. To delay its curdling, a chemical substance is added to it, which is   (2023)
(a) Sodium carbonate 
(b) Baking powder 
(c) Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) 
(d) Baking soda (sodium hydrogen carbonate)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (b)
Sol: Baking soda, or sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3) is used to delay the curdling of milk.


Q6: The name of the salt used to remove permanent hardness of water is   (2023)
(a) Sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3)
(b) Sodium chloride (NaCI)
(c) Sodium carbonate decahydrate (Na2CO3.10H2O)
(d) Calcium sulphate hemihydrate (CaSO4. 1/2 H2O)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (c)
Sol: Na2CO3.10H2O is used to remove permanent hardness of water. Washing soda (Na2CO3.10H2O) reacts with soluble calcium and magnesium chlorides and sulphates in hard water to form insoluble carbonates, that can be removed by filtration and then water becomes soft.


Q7: A student took a small amount of copper oxide in a conical flask and added dilute hydrochloric acid to it with constant stirring. He observed a change in colour of the solution.
(i) Write the name of the compound formed and its colour.
(ii) Write a balanced chemical equation for the reaction involved.   (2023)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (i) The compound formed is copper chloride (CuCl2) and its colour is green in aqueous solution.
(ii) The balanced chemical equation for the reaction is: CuO + 2HCl → CuCl2 + H2O


Q8: (a) Write a balanced equation to show the reaction that occurs when a piece of aluminium is dipped in a dilute solution of (i) sulphuric acid and (ii) sodium hydroxide.
(b) Write the colour of the solution formed when copper oxide is treated with hydrochloric acid. Give a reason for this observation.      (2023)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (a) (i) 2AI + 3H2SO4 → AI2(SO4)3 + 3H2
(ii) 2AI + 2NaOH + 2H2O → 2NaAIO2 + 3H2
(b) The colour of the solution formed when copper oxide is treated with hydrochloric acid is a bluish-green colour. This is because copper oxide reacts with hydrochloric acid to produce copper chloride and water. The copper chloride formed dissolves in water, resulting in the bluish-green colour of the solution.


Q9: (i) Suggest a safe procedure for diluting a strong concentrated acid.
(ii) Name the salt formed when sulphuric acid is added to sodium hydroxide and write its pH.
(iii) Dry hydrochloric acid (HCl) gas does not change the colour of dry blue litmus paper. Why?      (2023)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (i) During the dilution of a strong concentrated acid, always add acid to water and not the water to acid. The dissociation of an acid in water is a highly exothermic process, as the acid has a strong affinity for water. Adding water to acid can cause a violent reaction due to the rapid generation of heat. By adding acid to water slowly and with constant stirring, the heat generated can be dissipated more effectively, ensuring a safe dilution process.
(ii) The salt formed when sulphuric acid is added to sodium hydroxide is sodium sulphate (Na2SO4). Sodium sulphate is a neutral salt, and its aqueous solution will have a pH of 7.
(iii) Dry hydrochloric acid (HCl) gas does not change the colour of dry blue litmus paper because the colour change in blue litmus paper is only observed in the presence of hydrogen ions (H+) or hydronium ions (H3O+). HCl can produce these ions only in aqueous solution, where it dissociates to release H+ ions. In the absence of water, HCl gas does not produce H+ ions and, therefore, does not cause a colour change in dry blue litmus paper.


Q10: Two solutions M and N give red and blue colour respectively with a universal indicator.
(i) In which solution will the hydrogen ion concentration be more? Justify your answer.
(ii) If both M and N solutions are mixed and the resultant mixture is tested with a universal indicator, it turns green. What is the nature of the salt formed? Justify your answer.      (2023)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (i) Solution M gives a red color with a universal indicator, indicating that it is an acidic solution with a higher hydrogen ion concentration. Solution N gives a blue color with a universal indicator, indicating that it is a basic solution with a lower hydrogen ion concentration.
(ii) When solutions M and N are mixed, the resulting green color with a universal indicator indicates that the mixture is neutral. This suggests that a salt solution is formed, which is neither acidic nor basic.


Q11: On heating X at 373 K, it loses water molecules and becomes Y. Y is a substance which doctors use for supporting fractured bones in the right position.
(i) Identify X and V.
(ii) How can X be reobtained from Y?      (2023)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (i) X is gypsum (CaSO4 · 2H2O) and Y is Plaster of Paris (CaSO4 · 0.5H2O). V is the substance doctors use for supporting fractured bones in the right position.
(ii) X can be reobtained from V by adding water to Plaster of Paris, which will convert it back to gypsum. The reaction is as follows:
CaSO4 · 0.5H2O + 1.5H2O → CaSO4 · 2H2O


Q12: Consider the following salts:
(i) yCI
(ii) NH4X
(iii) ZCO3
(a) What would be the pH of the salt solution if in yCI, y is sodium? Give a reason for your answer.
(b) If in salt NH4X, X is nitrate, then its solution will give what colour with a universal indicator? Why?
(c) What would be the change in colour in a blue litmus solution if ZCO3 is added to it and Z is potassium?
      (2023)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (a) If in yCI, y is sodium, the salt formed is NaCI. NaCI is a salt of a strong acid (HCI) and a strong base (NaOH), making it a neutral salt. Hence, the pH of the salt solution would be 7.
(b) If in salt NH4X, X is nitrate, the salt formed is NH4NO3. NH4NO3 is a salt of a weak base (NH4OH) and a strong acid (HNO3). It is an acidic salt and will give an orange-yellow color with a universal indicator.
(c) If ZCO3 is added to a blue litmus solution and Z is potassium, the solution will turn red. This is because ZCO3 is potassium carbonate, which is a basic salt. It will neutralize the acidity of the blue litmus solution, causing it to turn red.


Q13: The industrial process used for the manufacture of caustic soda involves electrolysis of an aqueous solution of compound 'X'. In this process, two gases Y and Z are liberated. Y is liberated at the cathode and Z, which is liberated at the anode, on treatment with dry slaked lime, forms a compound 'B'. Name X, Y, Z, and B.      (2023)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: Compound X is sodium chloride (NaCl).
Gas Y liberated at the cathode is hydrogen gas (H2).
Gas Z liberated at the anode is chlorine gas (Cl2).
When chlorine gas (Z) is treated with dry slaked lime (Ca(OH)2), it forms bleaching powder (CaOCl2 or B).


Q14: Select washing soda from the following: 
(a) NaHCO3
(b) Na2CO3.5H2
(c) Na2CO3.10H2
(d) NaOH (CBSE 2023)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (c)
Washing soda is chemically known as sodium carbonate decahydrate (Na₂CO₃·10H₂O). It is commonly used as a cleaning agent.
The other options represent different compounds:
(a) NaHCO₃: This is sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda.
(b) Na₂CO₃·5H₂O: This is not a common form of sodium carbonate; washing soda specifically has 10 molecules of water.
(d) NaOH: This is sodium hydroxide, also known as caustic soda.
Therefore, the correct answer is (c) Na₂CO₃·10H₂O.


Q15: The table below has information regarding pH and the nature (acidic/basic) of four different solutions. Which of the following option in the table is correct?  (CBSE 2023)
Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (b)
(a) Lemon juice: Lemon juice is acidic with a pH around 2-3, but it is acidic, not basic. So, this option is incorrect.
(b) Milk of magnesia: This is basic with a pH around 10, which would turn the pH paper blue, indicating a basic nature. This option is correct.
(c) Gastric juice: Gastric juice is acidic with a pH around 1-3, not 6. A pH of 6 is close to neutral, which is not correct for gastric juice. So, this option is incorrect.
(d) Pure water: Pure water has a neutral pH of 7, but it would usually turn the pH paper green, not yellow. So, this option is also incorrect.
Therefore, the correct answer is (b) Milk of magnesia - Blue, pH 10, Basic.


Q16: (A) A compound ‘X’ which is prepared from gypsum has the property of hardening when mixed with proper quantity of water. Identify ‘X’ and write its chemical formula. 
(B) State the difference in chemical composition between baking soda and baking powder. (CBSE 2023)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (A) The compound ‘X’ is Plaster of Paris. It is prepared by heating gypsum at 373 K. Its chemical formula is Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts
Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts

(B) Baking Powder:
(i) 
Contains only one main ingredient: sodium bicarbonate.
(ii) Does not include monocalcium phosphate.

Baking Soda:
(i)
Consists of multiple ingredients, including bicarbonates (typically baking soda itself) and acid salts.
(ii) Contains monocalcium phosphate, which reacts with sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) when it is wetted and heated.


Q17: (A) Suggest one remedial measure each to counteract the change in pH in human beings in following cases: 
(i) Production of too much acid in stomach during indigestion. 
(ii) Stung by a honey bee/nettle leaves. 
(B) Fresh milk has a pH of 6. When it changes into curd, will its pH increase or decrease? Why? (CBSE 2023)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: . (A) (i) To get relief from this acidic pain, one must take antacids. These contain bases to neutralise the excess acids. 
Examples: Magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia) i.e., Mg(OH)2 or Aluminium hydroxide. 
(ii) A bee injects an acidic fluid into a person's skin when it stings them causing pain and irritation. Applying a baking soda solution, a base made of sodium hydrogen carbonate is the cure. By neutralising the acid, the solution relieves the pain. Accidental contact with nettle plant leaves causes the stinging hair to inject formic or methanoic acid into the person's epidermis, causing burning discomfort. As the nettle sting is acidic, it can be relieved by applying a basic substance to the skin, such as baking soda. 
(B) When fresh milk changes into curd, its pH decreases because curd is acidic. The pH gets increased for a basic solution and decreased for an acidic solution.

Previous Year Questions 2022

Q1: Which of the options in the given table are correct?      (2022)
Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts(a) (i) and (ii)
(b) (i) and (iv)
(c) (ii) and (iii) 
(d) (iii) and (iv)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (c)
Sol: Orange is a natural source of citric acid while tamarind contains tartaric acid


Q2: Three test tubes A, B and C contain distilled water, an acidic solution and a basic solution respectively. When red litmus solution is used for testing these solutions, the observed colour changes respectively will be:      (2022) 
(a) A - no change; B - becomes dark red; C - becomes blue 
(b) A - becomes light red; B - becomes blue; C - becomes red 
(c) A - becomes red; B - no change; C - becomes blue 
(d) A - becomes light red; B - becomes dark red; C - becomes blue

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (a)
Sol: Colour of red litmus remains red in neutral solutions, become dark red in acidic and blue in presence of basic solutions. So, there will be no change in colour of red litmus in distilled water (test tube A). In test tube B, it becomes dark red and in test tube C, red litmus turns blue.


Q3: Concentrated H2SO4 is diluted by adding drop by drop (2022)
(a) Water to acid with constant stirring
(b) Acid to water with constant stirring
(c) Water to acid followed by a base
(d) Base to acid followed by cold water

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (b)
Sol: If you add water to acid, you form an extremely concentrated solution of acid initially, the reaction of conc. acid with water is highly exothermic, and solution may boil very violently, splashing concentrated acid. If you add acid to water, the solution that forms is very dilute and small amount of heat released.


Q4: Select from the following the statement which is true for bases.      (2022)
(a) Bases are bitter and turn blue litmus red.
(b) Bases have a pH less than 7.
(c) Bases are sour and change red litmus to blue.
(d) Bases turn pink when a drop of phenolphthalein is added to them.

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (d)
Sol: Bases are substances which have bitter taste, soapy touch and turn red litmus solution to blue. Bases have pH more than 7. Bases give pink colour with phenolphthalein.


Q5: A solution gives yellowish orange colour when a few drops of universal indicator are added to it. This solution is of :      (2022)
(a) Lemon juice 
(b) Sodium chloride 
(c) Sodium hydroxide 
(d) Milk of magnesia

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (a)
Sol: Few drops of universal indicators in a solution give yellowish orange colour to solution. This indicates that the solution used was acidic in nature. For example: lemon juice.


Q6: Anita added a drop each of diluted acetic acid and diluted hydrochloric acid on pH paper and compared the colours. Which of the following Is the correct conclusion?    (2022)
(a) pH of acetic acid is more than that of hydrochloric acid
(b) pH of acetic acid is less than that of hydrochloric add.
(c) Acetic acid dissociates completely in aqueous solution,
(d) Acetic acid Is a strong acid.  

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (a)
HCl is stronger acid than CH3COOH so, pH of acetic add is more than that of hydrochloric acid.

Previous Year Questions 2021

Q1: State the purpose for which litmus is used in laboratories.    (2021C)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: Litmus is used in laboratories as an indicator to determine whether a substance is acidic or basic. It changes color in the presence of acids or bases, with blue indicating a basic solution and red indicating an acidic solution.


Q2: Out of the two hydrochloric acid and acetic acid, which one is considered as strong acid and why ? Write the name/molecular formula of one more strong acid.  (2021 C)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: Hydrochloric acid is a stronger acid than acetic acid because it dissociate completely in aqueous solution to give H+ ions. H2SO4 (sulphuric acid) is an example of strong acid.

Previous Year Questions 2020

Q1: A visually challenged student, has to perform a lab test to detect the presence of acid in a given solution. The acid-base indicator preferred by him will be:   (2020)
(a) Blue litmus 
(b) Clove oil 
(c) Red cabbage extract 
(d) Hibiscus extract

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (b)
Sol: Clove oil can be used as acid-base indicator by visually challenged student. Clove oil gives different odour in acidic and basic solution.


Q2: An aqueous solution ‘A’ turns phenolphthalein solution pink. In addition of an aqueous solution ‘B’ to ‘A’, the pink color disappears. The following statement is true for solution ‘A’ and ‘B’.   (2020)
(a) A is strongly basic and B is a weak base.
(b) A is strongly acidic and B is a weak acid.
(c) A has pH greater than 7 and B has pH less than 7.
(d) A has pH less than 7 and B has pH greater than 7.

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (c)
Sol: As the aqueous solution of A turns phenol- phthalein solution pink, hence A is basic in nature. On adding an acidic solution, the pink colour will disappear. Hence, B is an acid.


Q3: The acid produced in our stomach during digestion of food is (2020)

(a) Hydrochloric acid
(b) Oxalic acid
(c) Lactic acid
(d) Acetic acid

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (a)
Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is produced in the stomach and helps break down food during digestion. It also creates an acidic environment that kills harmful bacteria, making it essential for proper digestion and maintaining stomach health.


Q4: (i) Draw a labelled diagram to show the preparation of hydrogen chloride gas in the laboratory.
(ii) Test the gas evolved first with dry and then with wet litmus paper. In which of the two cases does the litmus paper show a change in color?
(iii) State the reason for the exhibiting acidic character by dry HCl gas/HCl solution.      (2020)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans:
Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts 
(ii) The litmus paper does not show any change in color when tested with dry blue litmus paper. However, when tested with moist blue litmus paper, it turns red. This indicates that hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas does not exhibit acidic behavior in the absence of water but shows acidic behavior in the presence of water.
(iii) When hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas dissolves in water, it forms hydrochloric acid solution (HCl(aq)). In the solution, HCl dissociates and produces H+ or H3O+ ions. The presence of these ions makes HCl solution acidic. The reaction can be represented as: HCl(g) + H2O(l) → H3O+(aq) + Cl-(aq)


Q5: Complete and balance the following chemical equations:       (2020)
(i) NaOH(aq) + Zn(s) →
(ii) CaCO3(s) + H2O(l) + CO2(g) →
(iii) HCl(aq) + H2O(l) →

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (i) 2NaOH(aq) + Zn(s) → Na2ZnO2(aq) + H2(g)
(ii) CaCO3(s) + H2O(l) + CO2(g) → Ca(HCO3)2(aq)
(iii) HCl(aq) + H2O(l) → H3O+(aq) + Cl-(aq)


Q6: (a) You are provided with concentrated sulphuric acid. Describe the process of preparing a dilute solution of sulphuric acid.
(b) What is the effect of dilution on (H3O+/OH-) ratio?
(c) If the H3O+ ion concentration is increased in a solution, will the pH increase or decrease? What are the probable colours of pH paper if the pH range is 0-5 ? (2020)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (i) Dilution of a concentrated acid is a highly exothermic reaction. To prevent potential hazards, the dilution process should be carried out carefully. The recommended method is to take a beaker with a sufficient amount of water and slowly add the concentrated acid to it while stirring. It is important to add acid into water and not the other way around to reduce the risk of splashing or glass breakage due to localized heating.
(ii) Dilution of an acid or base leads to a decrease in the concentration of ions (H3O+ and OH-) per unit volume. Therefore, the (H3O+/OH-) ratio is also reduced.
(iii) If the concentration of H3O+ ions increases in a solution, the pH will decrease. As for the probable colors of pH paper, pH range 0-5 to 2-0 typically corresponds to acidic conditions. The probable colors of pH paper in this range can be red or orange, indicating acidity.


Q7: List the important products of the Chlor-alkali process. Write one important use of each.       (2020)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: The important products of the Chlor-alkali process are sodium hydroxide, chlorine, and hydrogen.

  • Sodium hydroxide (NaOH): It is used in the manufacture of soaps and detergents.
  • Chlorine (Cl2): It is used as a germicide and disinfectant for sterilization of drinking water and swimming pools.
  • Hydrogen (H2): It is used in the manufacture of ammonia, which is used for the preparation of various fertilizers.


Q8: How is washing soda prepared from sodium carbonate? Give its chemical equation. State the type of this salt. Name the type of hardness of water which can be removed by it?       (2020)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: Washing soda is prepared by recrystallization of sodium carbonate. The chemical equation for its preparation is:
Na2CO3(s) + 10H2O(l) → Na2CO3.10H2O(s)
Washing soda is a basic salt. It is used to remove the permanent hardness of water. It can remove the calcium and magnesium ions that cause temporary hardness of water.


Q9: Give reasons for the following:
(i) Only one half of water molecule is shown in the formula of plaster of Paris.
(ii) Sodium hydrogen carbonate is used as an antacid.
(iii) On strong heating, blue-colored copper sulfate crystals turn white.
       (2020)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (i) Only one half of the water molecule is shown in the formula of plaster of Paris (CaSO4.1/2H2O) because one molecule of water is being shared by two molecules of calcium sulfate (CaSO4). So the effective water of crystallization for one CaSO4 unit comes to half a molecule of water.
(ii) Sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3) is used as an antacid because it is a weak base and can react with the excess acid produced in the stomach due to hyperacidity, neutralizing it and providing relief.
(iii) Blue-colored copper sulfate crystals are hydrated copper sulfate (CuSO4.5H2O). On strong heating, these crystals lose their water of crystallization and turn into anhydrous copper sulfate (CuSO4), which is white in color.


Q10: During electrolysis of brine, a gas 'G' is liberated at the anode. When this gas 'G' is passed through slaked lime, a compound 'C' is formed, which is used for disinfecting drinking water.
(i) Write the formula of 'G' and 'C'.
(ii) State the chemical equations involved.
(iii) What is the common name of compound 'C'? Give its chemical name.       (2020)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (i) The formula of 'G' is Cl2 and the formula of 'C' is CaOCl2.
(ii) The chemical equations involved are:

  • At the anode during electrolysis of brine: 2NaCl(aq) + 2H2O(l) → Cl2(g) + H2(g) + 2NaOH(aq)
  • When chlorine gas (G) is passed through slaked lime: Ca(OH)2(s) + Cl2(g) → CaOCl2(s) + H2O(l)

(iii) The common name of compound 'C' is bleaching powder. Its chemical name is calcium hypochlorite.


Q11: A cloth strip dipped in onion juice is used for testing a liquid 'X'. The liquid 'X' changes its odour. Which type of an indicator is onion juice? The liquid 'X' turns blue litmus red. List the observations the liquid 'X’ will show on reacting with the following: 
(a) Zinc granules 
(b) Solid sodium carbonate. 
Write the chemical equations for the reactions involved.      (CBSE 2020)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: Onion juice is an of factory indicator. Olfactory indicators give one type of odour in acidic medium and a different odour in basic medium. As the liquid 'X' turns blue litmus red, hence it is an acidic solution.
(a) Acids react with active metals such as zinc, magnesium, etc. and evolve hydrogen gas. The observation with zinc granules will be the evolution of hydrogen gas. The chemical equation for the reaction is: Zn(s) + dil.H2SO4(aq) → ZnSO4(aq) + H2(g)
(b) Acids react with metal carbonates to give carbon dioxide with brisk effervescence. The observation with solid sodium carbonate will be the release of carbon dioxide gas. The chemical equation for the reaction is:
2HCl(aq) + Na2CO3(s) → 2NaCl(aq) + H2O(l) + CO2(g)


Q12: A chemical compound 'X' is used in the soap and glass industry. It is prepared from brine.
(a) Write the chemical name, common name and chemical formula of 'X'.
(b) Write the equation involved in its preparation.
(c) What happens when it is treated with water containing Ca or Mg salts?      (2020)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (a) The chemical name of 'X' is Sodium Carbonate, commonly known as washing soda. Its chemical formula is Na2CO3.
(b) The equation involved in the preparation of Sodium Carbonate is:
2NaCl + H2O + CO2 → Na2CO3 + 2HCl
(c) When Sodium Carbonate is treated with water containing calcium (Ca) or magnesium (Mg) salts, it forms insoluble precipitates. For example:
Na2CO3 + CaCl2 → CaCO3 + 2NaCl
Na2CO3+ MgSO4 → MgCO3 + Na2SO4


Q13: How can it be proved that the water of crystallisation makes a difference in the state and colour of the compounds? (CBSE 2020)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: The water of crystallisation gives the crystals of the salts their shape and colour. For example, the presence of water of crystallisation in copper sulphate crystals imparts them blue colour and crystalline shape. Heat a few crystals of CuSO4. 5H2O which are blue in colour in a dry boiling tube. On heating, the blue copper sulphate crystals turn white and a powdery substance is formed. Tiny droplets of water are seen in the boiling tube. 
Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts

Cool the boiling tube and add 2-3 drops of water on the white copper sulphate powder. The crystals of copper sulphate again become blue in colour. 

CuSO4 + 5H2O → CuSO4.5H2O

Previous Year Questions 2019

Q1: Blue litmus solution is added to two test tubes A and B containing dilute HCl and NaOH solution respectively. In which test tube a colour change will be observed? State the colour change and give its reason.       (2019)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: The colour change will be observed in test tube A containing dilute HCl. The blue litmus paper will turn red in test tube A. This is because HCl is an acid and it turns blue litmus paper red.


Q2: Out of HCI and CH3COOH, which one is a weak acid and why? Explain with the help of an example.       (2019)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: Out of HCI and CH3COOH, CH3COOH is a weak acid because it dissociates partially in the solution. This can be proved with the help of the following example. If 1 M HCI and 1 M CH3COOH are taken in the beaker as shown in the figure, greater deflection is observed in the case of HCI. This shows that more ions are produced by HCI in the solution, which produces more current.


Q3: (a) What does pH scale measure?
(b) Write its range.
(c) State the significance of highest and lowest values of pH scale. 
       (2019 C)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (a) pH scale is used to measure the strength of acids and bases.
(b) The pH value ranges from 0 to 14.
(c) Lowest value of pH scale indicates the highly acidic solution. Highest value of pH scale indicates the highly basic solution.


Q4: "Sodium hydrogen carbonate is a basic salt". Justify this statement. How is it converted into washing soda?        (AI 2019)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: Sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3) is basic in nature as on hydrolysis it gives a mixture of strong base (NaOH) and weak acid (H2CO3). Sodium hydrogen carbonate is converted to washing soda in the following way:
(i) Thermal decomposition of NaHCO3:
2 NaHCO3(s) → Na2CO3(s) + CO2(g) + H2O(g)
(ii) Recrystallization of sodium carbonate:
Na2CO3 + 10H2O → Na2CO3·10H2O (solid)
Thus, sodium hydrogen carbonate is converted into washing soda through thermal decomposition and recrystallization.


Q5: A solution 'X' gives orange colour when a drop of it falls on pH paper, while another solution Y gives bluish colour when a drop of it falls on pH paper. What is the nature of both the solutions? Determine the pH of solutions 'X' and 'Y'.        (2019)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: Solution 'X' is an acidic solution with a pH range of 3-4. Solution 'Y' is a basic solution with a pH of 9.


Q6: On adding a few drops of universal indicator in three colorless solutions X, Y, and Z taken separately in three test tubes, a student observed the changes in color as green in X, red in Y, and blue in Z.
(a) Arrange X, Y, and Z in increasing order of their pH values.
(b) Which one of the three X, Y, and Z will change the color of phenolphthalein? Why?        (2019 C)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (a) The increasing order of pH values for solutions X, Y, and Z is Y < X < Z.
(b) Solution Z will change the color of phenolphthalein because it is a basic solution that changes the color of phenolphthalein from colorless to pink.


Q7: Why is sodium hydrogen carbonate an alkaline salt? List its two important uses.        (2019 C)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: Sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3) is an alkaline salt because its pH value is greater than 7. It is a salt of a strong base and a weak acid. Two important uses of sodium hydrogen carbonate are:
(i) It is used as an antacid in medicines.
(ii) It is used as an additive in food and drinks.


Q8: Identify the acid and the base from which sodium chloride is obtained. Which type of salt is it? When is it called rock salt? How is rock salt formed?       (2019)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: Sodium chloride is obtained by the neutralization of sodium hydroxide (base) with hydrochloric acid (acid). It is a neutral salt. When sodium chloride is found in the form of solid deposits with impurities, it is called rock salt. Rock salt is formed by the evaporation of salty water from inland lakes.


Q9: A white powder is added while baking cakes to make it soft and spongy. Name its main ingredients and explain the function of each ingredient. Write the chemical reaction taking place when the powder is heated during baking.       (2019)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: The white powder added while baking cakes to make them soft and spongy is baking powder. Its main ingredients are sodium hydrogen carbonate and a mild edible acid like tartaric acid or citric acid. Sodium hydrogen carbonate decomposes to give out carbon dioxide, which causes the cake to rise and makes it soft and spongy. The function of tartaric acid or citric acid is to neutralize sodium carbonate formed during heating, which can otherwise make the cake bitter. The reaction taking place when the powder is heated is: 2 NaHCO3 (heat) → Na2CO+ H2O + CO2


Q10: (a) Why is electrolysis of brine called 'Chlor-alkali process'? Write the chemical equation involved in this process.
(b) A few crystals of hydrated copper sulphate are heated in a dry test-tube. Enlist any two observations.       (2019)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (a) The electrolysis of brine is called the 'Chlor-alkali process' because it produces chlorine (chlor) and sodium hydroxide (alkali). The chemical equation involved in this process is: 2NaCl + 2H2O → 2NaOH + Cl2 + H2
(b) Two observations when hydrated copper sulphate crystals are heated in a dry test-tube are:
(i) The color of copper sulphate crystals becomes white after heating.
(ii) Water droplets are noticed at the mouth side of the boiling tube, which are obtained from the water of crystallization.


Q11: State the observation and inference made by a student when he brings 
(A) a wet blue litmus paper and 
(B) a wet red litmus paper in contact with the gas liberated during thermal decomposition of ferrous sulphate. (CBSE 2019)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (A) Observation: The moist blue litmus paper will turn red. 
Inference: The gas liberated is acidic in nature. 
(B) Observation: Wet red litmus paper will remain red. 
Inference: The gas liberated is acidic in nature.

Previous Year Questions 2018

Q1: 2 mL of sodium hydroxide solution is added to a few pieces of granulated zinc metal taken in a test tube. When the contents are warmed, a gas evolves which is bubbled through a soap solution before testing. Write the equation of the chemical reaction involved and the test to detect the gas. Name the gas which will be evolved when the same metal reacts with a dilute solution of a strong acid.       (2018)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: It is observed that active metals like zinc react with strong bases like sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to liberate hydrogen gas (H2) and the corresponding salt. The equation for the chemical reaction is:
2NaOH(aq) + Zn(s) → Na2ZnO2(aq) + H2(g)
The evolution of gas is confirmed by the bubble formation in soap solution. The test to detect hydrogen gas (H2) is as follows: When a burning matchstick is kept on the mouth of the test tube, a "pop" sound is heard, which confirms the presence of hydrogen gas.
When the same metal (zinc) reacts with a dilute solution of a strong acid, hydrogen gas (H2) will also be evolved.


Q2:  The pH of a salt used to make tasty and crispy pakoras is 14. Identify the salt and write a chemical equation for its formation.       (2018)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: The salt used to make tasty and crispy pakoras is sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3). On a large scale, sodium bicarbonate is prepared as follows:
NaCl + H2O + CO2 + NH3 → NH4Cl + NaHCO3
Two uses of sodium bicarbonate are as follows:
(i) It is used as an antacid in medicines.
(ii) It is used as an additive in food and drinks.


Q3: Identify the compound X on the basis of the reactions given below. Also, write the name and chemical formulae of A, B and C. (CBSE 2018, 16)
Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: X must be a compound which forms water with acids. It means it must be a base, which reacts with acids to form salt and water. This base also reacts with zinc metal and releases hydrogen gas. So, it must be NaOH (sodium hydroxide).
Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and SaltsX: NaOH (Sodium hydroxide)
A: Na2ZnO2 (Sodium zincate)
B: NaCl (Sodium chloride)
C: CH3COONa (Sodium acetate)

Previous Year Questions 2017

Q1: With the help of an example, explain what happens when a base reacts with a non-metallic oxide. What do you infer about the nature of non-metal oxide?        (Board Term I, 2017)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: When a base reacts with a non-metallic oxide, it forms a salt and water. For example, when calcium hydroxide (a base) reacts with carbon dioxide (a non-metallic oxide), it produces calcium carbonate (salt) and water. The reaction can be represented as follows:
CO2 + Ca(OH)2 → CaCO3 + H2O
From this reaction, we can infer that non-metallic oxides are generally acidic in nature.


Q2: How will the following substances dissociate to produce ions in their solutions?        (Board Term I, 2017)
(i) Hydrochloric acid
(ii) Sulphuric acid
(iii) Potassium hydroxide
(iv) Magnesium hydroxide
(v) Nitric acid
(vi) Sodium hydroxide

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: The dissociation of the given substances to produce ions in their solutions are as follows:
(i) Hydrochloric acid (HCI): HCI → H+ + Cl-
(ii) Nitric acid (HNO3): HNO3 → H+ + NO3-
(iii) Sulphuric acid (H2SO4): H2SO4 → 2H+ + SO42-
(iv) Sodium hydroxide (NaOH): NaOH → Na+ + OH-
(v) Potassium hydroxide (KOH): KOH → K+ + OH-
(vi) Magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2): Mg(OH)2 → Mg2+ + 2OH-


Q3: Explain how an antacid works.       (Board Term 1, 2017)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: An antacid works by neutralizing excess stomach acid, which can cause indigestion, pain, and irritation. It contains a base, such as magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia), which reacts with the excess hydrochloric acid in the stomach to form a salt and water. The reaction can be represented as follows:
Mg(OH)2 + 2HCl → MgCl2 + 2H2O
The formed salt, magnesium chloride, is neutral and helps alleviate the symptoms of indigestion.

Previous Year Questions 2016

Q1: Answer the following questions:     (CBSE 2016)
(i) State the colour of phenolphthalein in soap solution.
(ii) Name the by-product of chlor-alkali process which is used for the manufacture of bleaching powder.
(iii) Name one indicator which specifies the Various levels of H+ ion concentration.

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: 
(i) Pink
(ii) Chlorine
(iii) Universal indicator


Q2: On passing excess carbon dioxide gas through lime water, it first turns milky and then becomes colourless. Explain why? Write all the chemical equations of the reactions involved.    (CBSE 2016)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans:
Ca(OH)2 + CO2 → CaCO3(s) + H2O
CaCO3(s) + CO2(g) + H2O(l) → Ca(HCO3)2
Lime water turns milky due to the formation of calcium carbonate. It becomes colourless when excess of CO2 is passed due to formation of Ca(HCO3)2 which is soluble in water.


Q3: Name of type of chemical reaction represented by the following equation :    (CBSE 2016)
(i) CaO + H2O → Ca(OH)2
(ii) 3BaCl2 + Al2 (SO4)3 → 2AlCl3 + 3BaSO4
Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and SaltsAns: 

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: 
(i) Combination reaction.
(ii) Double displacement reaction.
(iii) Decomposition reaction.


Q4: (a) Define olfactory indicators. Name two substances which can be used as olfactory indicators.
(b) Choose strong acids from the following :
CH3COOH, H2SO4, H2CO3, HNO3     (CBSE 2016)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: 
(a) Indicators which work on the basis of odour are called olfactory indicators.
Onion and vanilla extracts can be used as olfactory indicators.
(b) H2SO4 and HNO3 are strong acids out of the four acids given. 


Q5: (a) The soil in a field is highly acidic. List any two materials which can be added to this soil to reduce its acidity. Give the reason for your choice. (CBSE 2016)
(b) A gas produced in the laboratory is highly soluble in water. Its colourless solution turns pink when a few drops of phenolphthalein is added to it. What is the nature of this gas?

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: 
(a) 
(i) Lime, (CaO) can be added to neutralize acidity.
(ii) Chalk, (CaCO3) can also be added to neutralise acidity.
It is because CaO and CaCO3 are basic in nature which neutralize acid present in soil.
(b) The nature of gas is basic because it turns phenolphthalein pink. The following reaction takes place in aqueous solution,
Example:  NH3 + H2O → NH4+ + OH-


Q6: (a) The pH of soil A is 7.5 while that of soil B is 4.5. Which of the two soils A or B should be treated with powdered chalk to adjust its pH and why?    (CBSE 2016)
(b) Name the chemical which is injected into the skin of a person:
(i) During an ant’s sting
(ii) During the nettle leaf sting.
How can the effect of these stings be neutralised?
(c) Explain how the pH change in the river water can endanger the lives of aquatic animals like fish?

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: 
(a) Soil ‘B’ is acidic. It should be treated with powdered chalk which is basic so as to adjust its pH.
(b)
(i) Formic acid, (HCOOH).
(ii) Formic acid, (HCOOH).
The effect of these stings neutralized by rubbing the skin with mild base like baking soda (NaHCO3).
(c) If pH of river water changes, amount of oxygen dissolved in water may decrease. Acidic and basic water is harmful for skin of aquatic animals like fish.


Q7: State reasons for the following statements: 
(i) Stain of curry on a white cloth becomes reddish brown when soap is scrubbed on it and turns yellow again when the cloth in washed with plenty of water.
(ii) Curd should not be kept in copper or brass vessels. What is done to protect it?    (CBSE 2016)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: 
(i) Turmeric reacts with sodium hydroxide present in soap to form red coloured compound. It turns yellow again because sodium hydroxide becomes very dilute on adding lot of water and reaction stops.
(ii) Curd contains lactic acid which reacts with copper or brass vessels and taste changes. Curd should be kept in glass, steel or ceramic container which does not react with lactic acid present in it.

Previous Year Questions 2015

Q1: (a) A student detected the pH of four unknown solutions A, B, C and D as follows: 11, 5, 7 and 2. 
Predict the nature of the solution. 
(b) Explain how an antacid works.    (CBSE 2015) 

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: 
(a) A is basic, ‘B’ is acidic ‘C’ is neutral and ‘D’ is strongly acidic.
(b) Hyperacidity is Caused by excess of hydrochloric acid in stomach. Antacid is basic in nature. It neutralises excess of acid and releases CO2 gas which gives relief from pain caused by hyperacidity.


Q2: Explain the action of dilute hydrochloric acid on the following with chemical equations:    (CBSE 2015) 
(a) Magnesium ribbon 
(b) Sodium hydroxide 
(c) Crushed egg shells 

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: 
(a) Hydrogen gas will be formed, e.g.
Mg (s) + 2HCl (dil) → MgCl2 (aq) + H2 (s)
(b) Sodium chloride and water will be formed, e.g.
NaOH + HCl → NaCl + H2O (Neutralization reaction)
(c) Crushed egg shells are made up of CaCO3 which reacts with dil HCl to give brisk effervescence due to CO2, e.g.
CaCO3 (s) + 2HCl → CaCl2 + H2O + CO2


Q3: What is meant by water of crystallisation? How would you show that copper sulphate crystals contain water of crystallisation? (CBSE 2015) 

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: Water which is present in the crystals of a compound is called water of crystallisation. It is defined as the fixed number of water molecules present in one formula unit of a salt. Copper sulphate crystals are blue in colour. On heating solid copper sulphate crystals, they lose water of crystallisation and become white. On adding a few drops of water to the white powder, blue colour of copper sulphate is restored. This shows that copper sulphate crystals contain water of crystallisation.


Q4: (a) Three acidic solutions A, B and C have p H = 0, 3 and 5 respectively.
(i) Which solution has highest concentration of H+ ions?
(ii) Which solution has the lowest concentration of H+ ions?
(b) How concentrated sulphuric acid can be diluted? Describe the process.    (CBSE 2015)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: 
(a)
(i) Solution A has the highest concentration of H+ ions.
(ii) Solution C has the lowest concentration of H+ ions.
(b) While diluting concentrated sulphuric acid, water is not added to the acid, rather acid is added to water.
Take some water in a beaker. Add cone, sulphuric acid in small lots to water. Stir the mixture with glass rod constantly. Cool the beaker under water if it becomes hot.


Q5: Give the chemical name and formula of bleaching powder. What happens when it is exposed to air? Mention two uses of bleaching powder.    (CBSE 2015)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: Chemical name of bleaching powder is calcium oxychloride.
Formula: CaOCl2 CaOCl2 On exposure to air, it absorbs moisture.
Uses:
(i) As an oxidising agent in chemical industries.
(ii) For disinfecting drinking water to make it free from germs. 


Q6: (a) What is pH value of salt formed by a
(i) Weak acid and strong base?
(ii) Strong acid and strong base?
(b) 15 mL of water and 10 ml of sulphuric acid are to be mixed in a beaker
(i) State the method that should be followed with reason.
(ii) What is this process called?    (CBSE 2015)
(c) What is observed when sulphur dioxide is passed through
(i) water (ii) lime water?

Also write chemical equations for the reactions that take place.

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: 
(a) 
(i) The pH value will be greater than 7.
(ii) The pH value will be less that than 7.
(b)
(i) The acid is to be added slowly in water to prevent the mixture to be from being splashed. The  reaction is highly exothermic, therefore, constant cooling should be done.
(ii) The process is called dilution.
(c)
(i) Sulphurous acid is formed.
SO2 + H2O → H2SO3 (Sulphurous acid)
Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts
Lime water turned turns milky due to formation of calcium sulphite.


Q7: (a) State the chemical properties on which the following uses of baking soda are based:
(i) as an antacid
(ii) as soda-acid fire extinguisher
(iii) to make bread and cake soft and spongy.
(b) How washing soda is obtained from baking soda? Write balanced chemical equation.    (CBSE 2015)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: 
(a) 
(i) It is weakly basic in nature and neutralises hyperacidity.
(ii) It liberates CO2 with H2SO4 reacts with it, which extinguisher fire.
(iii) It liberates CO2 on heating which makes bread and cake soft and sponge.
(b) Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and SaltsBaking soda on heating gives sodium carbonate which on crystallisation from aqueous solution gives washing soda, e.g.
Na2CO3 + 10H2O → Na2CO3.10H2O


Q8: State reason for the following statements:    (CBSE 2015)
(a) Tap water conducts electricity whereas distilled water does not.
(b) Dry hydrogen chloride gas does not turn blue litmus red whereas dilute hydrochloric acid does.
(c) During summer season, a milk man usually adds a very small amount of baking soda to fresh milk.
(d) For a dilution of acid, acid is added into water and not water into acid. 

(e) Ammonia is a base but does not contain hydroxyl group.

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (a) Tap water contains ions which conduct electricity, distilled water does not contain ions.
(b) Dry HCl does not form ions but HCl gives H+ and Cl-.
(c) Baking soda does not allow milk to change to lactic acid which makes milk sour.
(d) Adding water to acid is highly exothermic and and acid may splash. Therefore, acid is added to water very slowly with continuous stirring.
(e) Ammonia dissolves in water forms OH-. Therefore, it is basic.
NH3 + H2O → NH4+ + OH-


Q9: (a) Define universal indicator. Mention its one use.
(b) Solution A gives pink colour when a drop of phenolphthalein indicator is added to it. Solution B gives red colour when a drop of methyl orange is added to it. What type of solutions are A and B and which one of the solutions A and B will have a higher pH value?
(c) Name one salt whose solution has pH more than 7 and one salt whose solution has pH less than 7.    (CBSE 2015)

Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts  View Answer

Ans: (a) A universal indicator is a mixture of several indicators. It shows different colours at different concentrations of H+ ion concentrations.
(b) Solution A is alkaline in nature.
Solution B is acidic in nature.
Solution A has a higher pH value.
(c) Salts of weak acid and strong base give a solution which have pH more than 7.
i.e. basic salt
Sodium acetate is an example of such salts.
Salts of strong acid and weak base give a solution which has pH less than 7.
i.e. Acidic salt. Ammonium chloride is an example of such salts.

The document Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts is a part of the Class 10 Course Science Class 10.
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FAQs on Class 10 Science - Previous Year Questions - Acids Bases and Salts

1. What are the properties of acids, bases, and salts?
Ans. Acids are sour in taste, turn blue litmus red, and can conduct electricity in solution. Bases are bitter, slippery to touch, turn red litmus blue, and also conduct electricity. Salts are formed from the reaction of acids and bases and can vary in taste and solubility.
2. How do you identify an acid or a base using litmus paper?
Ans. You can identify an acid or a base using litmus paper by dipping a strip of litmus paper in the solution. If the paper turns red, the solution is acidic. If it turns blue, the solution is basic.
3. What is the pH scale and how does it relate to acids and bases?
Ans. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. A pH less than 7 indicates an acidic solution, while a pH greater than 7 indicates a basic solution. The lower the pH, the stronger the acid; the higher the pH, the stronger the base.
4. Can salts also be acidic or basic?
Ans. Yes, salts can be acidic, basic, or neutral depending on the acids and bases from which they are formed. For example, sodium chloride is a neutral salt, while ammonium chloride is an acidic salt and sodium bicarbonate is a basic salt.
5. What are some common examples of acids, bases, and salts used in daily life?
Ans. Common examples of acids include citric acid (found in citrus fruits) and acetic acid (found in vinegar). Common bases include sodium hydroxide (used in cleaning agents) and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). Common salts include table salt (sodium chloride) and Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate).
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